en_tn_condensed/mat/05/38.md

# Connecting Statement:

Jesus continues to teach about how he has come to fulfill the Old Testament law. Here he begins to speak about retaliating against an enemy.

# General Information:

Jesus is talking to a group of people about what might happen to them as individuals. The word "you" in "You have heard" and "I say to you" is plural. The phrase "whoever strikes you" is addressed to singular "you," but you may have to translate it as plural "you." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

# You have heard that it was said

Jesus agrees with God and his word. But, he does not agree with the way the religious leaders had applied God's word. This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:33](./33.md). AT: "Your religious leaders have told you that God said" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

# eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth

The law of Moses allowed a person to harm a person in the same way he had harmed him, but he could not harm him worse.

# But I say

The "I" is emphatic. This indicates that what Jesus says is equally important to the original commands from God. Try to translate this phrase in a way that shows that emphasis. See how you translated this in [Matthew 5:22](./21.md).

# one who is evil

"an evil person" or "someone who harms you"

# strikes ... your right cheek

To strike the side of a man's face was an insult in Jesus' culture. As with the eye and the hand, the right cheek is the more important one, and striking that cheek was a terrible insult.

# strikes

"slaps." This means hitting someone with the back of an open hand.

# turn to him the other also

"let him hit your other cheek also"